🌟 Introducing Bilqis: The Queen of Sheba
Bilqis: According to Arab tradition, Bilqis (بلقيس) is the biblical Queen of Sheba. She ruled over the affluent land of Sheba, renowned for its wealth and devotion to a sun god.
Etymology: The name Bilqis (بلقيس) has ancient roots, possibly deriving from the Arabic or South Arabian lexicons.
Background: The story of Bilqis is richly documented in Islamic texts, particularly in the Surah an-Naml (The Ant), verses 20-44 of the Qur’an. This narrative highlights a notable incident where Solomon (known as Sulayman عليه السلام in Arabic) invites her to Islam after recognizing her kingdom’s adherence to sun-worship.
Historical Context: While the exact time of her reign isn’t clear, her story is coeval with the era of Prophet Solomon, son of David (Dawud عليه السلام), which scholars often place around the 10th century BCE.
Cultural Significance: In many Islamic cultures, Bilqis is celebrated for her intelligence, leadership, and ultimately, her acceptance of monotheism. Her narrative serves as an inspiring model of wisdom and submission to divine will.
🔍 Comparative Cultural Context
Islamic vs. Biblical Tradition: In Islamic tradition, Bilqis is portrayed as a wise and discerning ruler. The Quran emphasizes her rational engagement with Solomon and her eventual acceptance of Islam. Similarly, in the Biblical narrative located in the First Book of Kings, the Queen’s visit epitomizes the international recognition of Solomon’s wisdom and the prosperity of their kingdoms.
Synonyms:
- Queen of Sheba
- Malikat Saba (Arabic: ملكة سبأ)
Related Terms:
- Sulayman (سليمان) – Prophet Solomon, the king who invites Bilqis to Islam.
- Saba (سبأ) – The kingdom over which Bilqis ruled, often associated with modern-day Yemen.
Exciting Facts:
- Gift Offering: According to the Qur’an, Bilqis initially responds to Solomon’s summons not with confrontation but diplomacy, offering a significant gift as a gesture of peace.
- Architectural Wonder: The Quran describes Solomon constructing a lavish palace with a glass floor that astonished Bilqis, demonstrating his wisdom and the divine power he embraced.
Quotations:
- “Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.” (Qur’an 27:23)
- “But what was conveyed to me was that it [i.e., your letter] is from Solomon and indeed, it reads: In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.” (Qur’an 27:30)
Further Studies and Inspiration
References:
- Umar Al-Amri, “Tales from the Qur’an for Conscientious Minds” (1998).
- Risa Brocklesby, “Women of Antiquity in Prophecies and Myths” (2003).
Suggested Literature:
- “The Noble Quran” – Any reputable translation with comprehensive tafsir (exegesis).
- “Legends of the Prophets in Islamic Tradition” by Ibn Kathir.
Languages:
- Arabic: بلقيس
- Urdu: بلقیس
- Bengali: বিলকিস্্
- Indonesian: Bilqis
- Persian: بلقیس
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“Embark on the journey of discovery where ancient wisdom meets divine revelation, and let the story of Bilqis illuminate the pathway to understanding our shared human heritage.”
Engage with quizzes below to deepen your understanding:
